Michigan still in top 5 in deer/vehicle accidents

Winter driving conditions can be treacherous and that’s not even taking into account Michigan drivers likelihood of hitting a deer.

By MARK SPENCLEYmark@cheboygantribune.com

Winter driving conditions can be treacherous and that’s not even taking into account Michigan drivers likelihood of hitting a deer.For the sixth year in a row, Michigan ranks in the top 5 states in the nation for drivers odds of getting into a deer/car accident. According to data compiled by State Farm, the nation’s leading auto insurer, a Michigan drives odds of hitting a deer in 2012 were 1/72, only trailing West Virgina, South Dakota, and Iowa.While nationwide auto insurance claims are on a steady decline, the odds of drivers hitting deer went up 7.7 percent in 2012, an odd statistic State Farm officials are looking into.“We have known for quite a while that the frequency of auto insurance claims has been declining,” said Chris Mullen, technology research director for State Farm. “But whatever is causing that trend is obviously not impacting deer-related crashes.”The highest percentage of deer-related accidents took place in October and November, when deer are in the peak of their breeding season. According to State Farm, roughly 18 percent of all deer crashes took place in this two-month period.Though the breeding season has come a gone, northern Michigan deer will be traveling is search of food as winter bears down. This behavior could result in them crossing more roads more often.“Deer will travel in search of food during the winter,” said Ashley Autenreith, deer specialist with the Department of Natural Resources. “They’ll look for the closest available food and cover, but they will travel if they have to.”According to State Farm, the cost of repairing damage caused by deer collisions went up to an average of $3,305 per claim, plenty of incentive to avoid deer.Here are a few measures that can help drivers avoid accidents with deer.Be aware of posted deer crossing signs. These are placed in active deer crossing areas.Remember that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m.Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the areas from which deer will enter roadways.Keep in mind that deer generally travel in herds – if you see one, there is a strong possibility others are nearby.Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles.If a deer collision seems inevitable, attempting to swerve out of the way could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or place you in the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.